Arians: Bucs will bring back Winston unless big-name FA QB emerges
Bruce Arians revealed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' plan for determining their 2020 starting quarterback while speaking Tuesday at the scouting combine.
In an interview with NFL Network's Andrew Siciliano, the Bucs head coach initially said: "We have a plan, we're just not telling anybody." Then, he was pressed further by Siciliano.
Bruce Arians says he has NOT told Jameis Winston the Buccaneers plan at QB.
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) February 25, 2020
“We have a plan, we’re just not telling anybody.”#NFLNow @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/WKntWQzeuZ
"Can I try to translate? Jameis (Winston) is coming back unless there's somebody out there that you might prefer and you think you can get him. And if you can get him, whomever that is, then that is your guy. Am I reading that the right way?"
"Pretty much it," Arians responded. "We can win with Jameis. There's no doubt about that."
After five seasons as the starting quarterback in Tampa, Winston is scheduled to become a free agent in March. The Bucs have plenty of options under center, including franchise tagging Winston, signing him to a multi-year contract, or chasing one of the other quarterbacks set to hit the market.
Without knowing how the landscape will change in the future, Arians said the current plan is to bring Winston back for at least a sixth season.
HEADLINES
- Stafford beats Maye to win MVP in closest race since 2003
- Brees, Fitzgerald headline 2026 Pro Football HOF class as Eli, Belichick miss cut
- Garrett named DPOY for 2nd time in 3 years after 23-sack season
- Vrabel wins COY over Macdonald ahead of Super Bowl LX
- Patriots legends call out Brady for not picking sides in Super Bowl LX